by Krystal Paco

Guam - Once a man in uniform sworn to protect the community, former police officer David Manila appeared in court this morning for his participation in the Blue House Lounge prostitution ring.

For the last twenty years Manila served the Guam Police Department as a police officer. For the next thirty years, he'll be serving time behind bars.

As he sat in court this morning, he stared blankly and remained emotionless as his attorney, Terrence Timblin, requested the minimum sentence of 15 years. "The only thing that was apparently wrong was that he did not stop penetrating her quickly enough when she told him to," he said.

But Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Quan argued otherwise, stating Manila's sentence should reflect that no man, even a man in uniform, is above the law. Quan requested the court sentence Manila to the maximum life behind bars without a possibility of parole. "How can the system stand? How can the public be secure that people will follow the rules people will follow because they're afraid when the police are the ones doing it," he said.

When the court asked if Manila wanted to speak for himself, he declined. "Do know that you make no statements the court cannot tell if you're remorseful. The court cannot tell what attitudes you have. Or anything else regarding your nature," said Judge Anita Sukola.

Manila was convicted in the Blue House Lounge prostitution ring for twelve charges including criminal sexual conduct, 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, compelling prostitution, and official misconduct.

Following today's sentencing, Timblin says he was pleasantly surprised at the court's decision - after all, thirty years is far from a lifetime in prison.

Timblin also defended his client's decision to remain silent through today's proceedings. "Our position has been from day one that he has nothing to apologize for. Done nothing to apologize for. So there was no point in apologizing," he said. "With all respect to the court if somebody is clearly guilty and wants to say and express remorse and get a better sentence out of it that's one thing but we believe he did nothing wrong other than committing prostitution which he wasn't charged with."

Timblin states Manila's biggest mistake was cooperating with the federal government relative to Blue House Lounge owner and mastermind Song Ja Cha's case. According to Timblin, the overwhelming press coverage pressured the local government to take action on his client.

Timblin adds that Manila will appeal today's decision with the Supreme Court.

Manila may have dodged a life sentence behind bars, but we should note that he will be 84 years old upon release. Meanwhile, codefendant Anthony Quenga is scheduled for sentencing on Friday morning at 11am.